3. What is Advocacy?
What is an Advocate?
Why would I need an Advocate?
4. Role of Team
Survivors
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE)
Law Enforcement
Crime Lab
Victim Advocate
District Attorney
Victim Services
Health Department
6. Victim
Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic types of
criminal victimization. Whereas most crime victims find
it difficult to discuss their victimization, sexual assault
victims find it especially painful. One obvious reason for
this is the difficulty that many people have in talking
about sex. A more important reason, however, is that
many victims of sexual assault are intensely traumatized
not only by the humiliation of their physical violation but
by the fear of being severely injured or killed.
7. Client’s Rights
Fairness and Respect
Reasonable Protection from the Defendant
Victim Safety Considerations in Setting Bail and Release
Conditions
Privacy and Confidentiality
To have an Advocate with them
To have questions reframed in a way they understand
To talk privately with any SART member
To refuse to take part of any portion of the process
8. Goal
The three primary responsibilities of law enforcement in
sexual assault cases are to:
(1) protect, interview, and support the victim;
(2) investigate the crime and apprehend the perpetrator;
and
(3) collect and preserve evidence of the assault that will
assist in the prosecution of the assailant.
9. SART
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a multi-
disciplinary team developed to improve services to
victims of sexual assault. The team is comprised of
advocates from the local victim service center, law
enforcement officers, and specially trained health care
professionals.
10. Role of Victim
In the investigation and prosecution of most sexual
assault cases, the role of the victim is much more
important than in other crimes since the victim is usually
the sole witness to the crime.
11. Interview
Interview Process:
A. That medical priorities, victim needs, and safety
considerations take precedence over the forensic interview
and forensic examination
B. That all efforts have been made to have all team
members are present for the interview
C. That whenever possible, the victim should be given the
opportunity to speak with a victim advocate prior to the
start of the interview, to explain:
1. The victim’s rights regarding the interview and examination
2. The process and structure of the interview and the
examination
3. The process of any audio/video taping that will occur
12. Payment
Payment of Services:
A. Procedure to ensure that victims will not be charged for
forensic examinations either directly or through insurance
billing
B. Procedure for covering costs of injuries or medical needs
other than those of the forensic examination.
Violent Crimes Compensation:
A. That law enforcement is to provide notice of Violent
Crimes Compensation
B. That the advocate can provide assistance in completing
forms, and provide contact numbers and referrals for
additional information
13. Confidentiality
A. That forensic examination records will be maintained
in a separate and secure location
B. A procedure for processing subpoenas, search
warrants, and court orders
C. Disclosure of the information that is required by law
NOTE: Advocates are generally excluded
from disclosing information
